Dry months in Riau can bring fire haze: stay flexible

Trans Metro Pekanbaru is the city's bus rapid transit, but only part of the system is running, with about 38 buses on 8 corridors listed for 2024. Do not build a tight day around it. Pay at the stop before boarding, check the route at the halte, and keep Grab or Gojek ready on your phone for gaps and evenings. Ojek…

Teluk Kuantan has few or no star-rated hotels, and in Pacu Jalur week the local lodging cannot hold every visitor, so some residents turn their homes into guest rooms. Book a guesthouse, homestay or rented room well ahead and confirm it directly with the host. If nothing is left, the drive back to Pekanbaru is four to…

Each year in late August the Pacu Jalur festival fills the Batang Kuantan river at Tepian Narosa in Teluk Kuantan, a long road trip from Pekanbaru. Boats 25 to 40 m long carry crews of 50 to 60 paddlers, with a dancer leading from the bow. Races run from morning until late afternoon, so arrive before 8 AM for a spot…

Muara Takus is a Buddhist temple complex of about the ninth century, standing in a jungle clearing near the Kampar Kanan river. It lies roughly 120 km from Pekanbaru, with two hours or more on the road, so leave early and treat it as a full day trip. Walk among the stupas and old brickwork, and dress modestly because…

The Soeman HS library is a book-shaped building that welcomes visitors. Inside are six floors with wide glass walls, so you can read while looking out over Pekanbaru, plus an auditorium for exhibitions and book discussions. Treat it as a working library: keep your voice low, and check opening days locally before you…

Bukit Kapur Air Hitam is a limestone hill in Payung Sekaki where cream, white and black rock meets a reddish valley. It photographs best in the morning or late afternoon, when the midday sun is not flattening everything. Arrive early to frame the cliffs without crowds, and bring water and a hat because shade is thin…

Rainbow Hills in Rumbai is a set of hills whose soil shifts between brown, pink and yellowish tones as the weather and light change. Go in the dry season on a clear day, and choose late afternoon for softer light. Reaching the top takes a light trek, so wear shoes with grip. It is a popular spot for photoshoots, so…

Taman Rekreasi Alam Mayang is a nature and outbound park in Tenayan Raya built for a full day outside. Activities include fishing, paddle boats, a flying fox, banana boat rides and a safari train, so it suits families with children. Bring a mat to picnic under the shady trees and plan several hours. Check which…